October is a lovely month - great orienteering in colourful forests, the start of using head torches on Tuesday evenings and holiday time for some. What opportunities are coming up and what has been happening?

We all enjoy orienteering ‘off path’, venturing into areas where there is undergrowth – and there the ticks are lurking, seeking out anything warm-blooded! A tick bite can cause moderate to severe health issues through the transfer of a whole host of things (viruses, bacteria, parasites, poison).

The Lakes 5-Days is a multi-day event held every four years down in the Lake District. This year Mum and I decided to head down for a week and give it a go! I’d previously spent a weekend training in the Lakes last November and so was excited for the five races.